Cancer is notoriously destructive, yet it initially presents subtle symptoms that are easily ignored.
According to GP Dr Ahmed, (dra_says), three subtle yet critical warning signs of pancreatic cancer are frequently overlooked by both patients and doctors.
The signs include new-onset type 2 diabetes in people who haven’t gained weight, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and dull aching pain in the upper abdomen.
Dr Ahmed warned that pancreatic cancer has “the worst prognosis of all cancers” precisely because these vague symptoms often lead to late diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer has poor prognosis
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Early detection could potentially save lives, yet the non-specific nature of these symptoms means they are commonly ignored or dismissed.
Dr Ahmed explains that new-onset diabetes without weight gain can be a key indicator.
“This is because the pancreas makes insulin and having cancer in the pancreas can disrupt this balance and make people diabetic,” he explained.
The second warning sign, jaundice, manifests as yellowing of the eyes and skin when pancreatic cancer blocks the bile duct.
“This blockage of bile may also give you really itchy skin, pale stools and very dark urine,” Dr Ahmed noted.
The third symptom is a non-specific dull aching pain in the upper abdomen, which can be particularly vague and easy to dismiss.
Dr Ahmed stressed that having these symptoms does not necessarily indicate pancreatic cancer.
“Thankfully pancreatic cancer is very rare, but it is picked up very late because of the very vague symptoms,” he explained.
GP Dr Ahmed shared three critical warning signs of pancreatic cancer
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Despite its rarity, the GP emphasises the importance of seeking medical attention when these warning signs appear.
“If you’ve got any of these symptoms it does not mean you have pancreatic cancer,” Dr Ahmed reassured.
Early medical consultation could be crucial for a timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
The NHS uses a combination of blood tests, scans and biopsies to diagnose pancreatic cancer.
